Leonard P. “ Lenny” Smith

Lenny was born October 4, 1958 in Dunkirk, NY a son of the late Richard and Esther (Blanchard) Smith.

He was a graduate of Brocton Central School and had been employed by Better Baked Foods of Westfield, and for many years with Jim Crolle Grape Farming and had most recently been employed with ServiceMaster by Higginbotham's of Westfield, NY. In his spare time he loved tending to his flower gardens and fishing. Lenny was also a self proclaimed mechanic who loved tinkering and fixing things.

Lenny is survived by his brother Steven (Evette) Smith of Mayville, NY and his two sisters, Jenny Smith of South Carolina and Linda Smith of Dunkirk, NY. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a niece April Smith.

Per Lenny's wishes, all funeral services will be held privately. Burial will be in Portland Evergreen Cemetery.

Dale Miller

Dale Miller, 72 years old, formerly of Brocton, New York passed away February 19, 2019 in Bradenton, Florida. He was born November 6, 1946 in Dunkirk, New York to the late Arthur and Virginia D Fisk Miller. Dale was a graduate of Brocton Central School and had attended Alfred Technical University. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in April of 1966 and was sent to Vietnam where he served 13 months during the Vietnam War.. He was honorably discharged from the service on April 27, 1968. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Presidential Unit Citation and the Good Conduct Medal. Dale had been employed at Haywood Motors of Brocton, Fredonia Hardware of Fredonia and Rizzo Trucking of Brocton before moving to Florida. While living in Brocton, he was active in the JC's, an active member of the Brocton Fire Dept., serving a term as Fire Chief, he was a life time member of the American Legion John W Dill post 434 of Brocton, New York and had served as Commander of the Post.

Dale is survived by four sons Duane and Cheryl Miller, Ted and Tracy Miller, Dale Jr. and Nicole Miller and Steven Miller; one daughter Taylor Miller, 13 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren, three brothers David and Trina Miller, Gary Miller and Arthur and Sandy Miller and sister in law Linda Miller all of Brocton, New York. Besides his parents Dale was predeceased by by his wife Linda and one brother Robert K Miller.

A Military Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2019 at 1 pm at the Brocton American Legion, 32 West Main St., Brocton, New York. Full Military Honors will be accorded Dale by the American Legion John W Dill Post 434 of Brocton at that time. Burial will be private at the Portland Evergreen Cemetery and at the convenience of the family.In lieu of flowers.The family kindly requests Memorials in Dales memory and honor be made to the Brocton Fire Dept. Lake Ave. Brocton, New York 14716.

Michael Ruiz Jr.

Michael Ruiz Jr. ,27, of Buffalo, New York, formerly of Portland, New York passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, April 20, 2019. He was born in Carlsbad, California on January 12, 1992 to Michael and Teresa Schmitz Ruiz Sr. Michael was a 2012 graduate of Brocton Central School and upon graduation enlisted in the United States Army National Guard and was active until his honorable discharge in January of 2019. He was currently attending Daemen College in Buffalo, New York and was also the President of the Social Work Class. At one time he worked as a care giver for the Adult Day Care at the Resource Center in Dunkirk, New York. Besides his love for his family, he loved dancing, singing and shopping, watching movies especially Harry Potter. Michael also especially enjoyed and loved playing board games and outdoor games with his family.

Michael is survived by his parents Michael and Teresa Ruiz Sr. his partner Michael Rosier of Buffalo, New York; two brothers Anthony Ruiz of California, Evelio (Jennifer) Dejesus Jr. of Portland, New York; three sisters, Samantha (Evan) Davis of South Dayton, New York, Sabrina Ruiz of Portland, New York and Jessica Berrera of California; his paternal grandparents, Nilda and Carlos Ruiz of Dunkirk, New York and Maternal grandparents Ellen and Raymond Franklin of Portland, New York; two aunts, Lucinda Ruiz of Kentucky and Brenda (Miguel) Fred, three uncles, Edberto (Rebecca) Ruiz, David Ruiz, and Thomas Schmitz, four nieces Evelia, Aubree, Rylee and Zola Dejesus and several great aunts, great uncles and cousins.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday April 26, 2019 at 11 am from the Morse FuneralHome in Brocton, New York, the Rev. Molly Golando of Fredonia will officiate.Interment will follow at the Portland Evergreen Cemetery where full Military Honors will be given for Michael by the American Legion John W Dill Post 434 of Brocton, New York. Friends and family are invited to call at the Morse Funeral Home, 51 Highland Ave. Brocton, New York from 2-4 and 7-9 on Thursday April 25, 2019. The family kindly requests memorials in Michael's memory be made to the Northern Chautauqua Canine Rescue, 7540 N. Gale St. Westfield, New York 14787 or the Westfield Stray Cat Rescue 59 E. Main St. Westfield, New York 14787. The family would also very greatly appreciate any monetary donations towards the Funeral expenses for Michael to be sent to Teresa Ruiz. 6606 Woleben Rd Portland, New York 14769.

Marjory C. Diehl

Marjory C. Diehl of Brocton died Monday morning, April 8 at the Chautauqua Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. She was born Marjory Clampitt on August 2, 1920, just as the 19th Amendment, guaranteeing women’s right to vote was signed into law. She was an ardent feminist before the term was in general use and remained so for all of her 98 years.

Co-valedictorian of her high school graduating class, at a time when academic honors went only to boys, she ignored the pleas of relatives, school officials and teachers and chose marriage over higher education. Three years before, at the age of 15, she had gone to visit her best friend, Ruth Diehl, and fallen madly in love with Ruth’s middle brother, Dale. The emotion was reciprocal.

They married on New Year’s eve in 1939 and walked home to in-laws house, in a middle state’s blizzard, much like the one forecast for today, making driving impossible for wedding party, florist, organist and guests. The ceremony was possible only because the church was less than a block away and the preacher lived next door.

Living in a tiny apartment, literally steps from those same in-laws, they welcomed a daughter, LeeAnne, in 1941. Dale, worked as a page in the Federal Reserve Bank by day, and helped his parents survive the depression by delivering prescriptions from his father’s pharmacy at night.

Both were still actually children themselves, naïve and provincial. A famous family story involves a portly gentleman on the streetcar confronting Marjory who regularly took LeeAnne for a “ride to the end of the line” to demand, “Little girl, does your mother know you have that baby out of the house?”

Six months after becoming parents, the attack on Pearl Harbor changed their lives, as it did all Americans. Dale, his brothers, and Marjory’s all left for war and Marjory joined her sister-in-laws , living out the war with Dale’s parents. Babysitting was expert, free and available and she became a slightly softer version of Rosie the Riveter, gluing glider parts for the war effort.

When the war ended, two adults, one disillusioned by war; the other, matured by work, had to fall in love again and to negotiate a relationship that would last for almost 60 years.

Supported by the GI Bill, the whole family went to college: Dale, for a degree in business, LeeAnne to first grade in the lab school, and Marjory, happily sampling the creative outlets that college life could provide: Dress design, pottery, woodworking, poetry, cooking. They joined a thriving community of nearly penniless but endlessly optimistic veteran families living in a long row of connected tin housing.

Marjory was literally queen of the hill. Almost every woman living under the long tin roof was pregnant. A few toddlers represented infrequent leaves, but only one woman could proudly share a genuine walking, talking child. Mother and child cheerfully accepted star status.

1950, college finished: Dale beginning a real career with the Federal Reserve; new house, small and square on what was then the very outskirts of Kansas City, Missouri, new baby boy, John Evan Diehl. Marjory began to demonstrate her creative skills. She could sew, build, knit, paint or quilt almost anything.

Those were the days when major department stores unveiled fabulous window displays linked to famous magazine covers, held lunchtime fashion shows and proudly proclaimed themselves as sophisticated as NYC. Marjory could spend a few minutes studying, an hour shopping, and go home to recreate —sometimes even improve upon — what she had seen.

Marjory, her friends in the neighborhood and their children were very likely the best dressed in Kansas City. LeeAnne was clearly the best dressed girl in grade school, an honor she did not appreciate. High school however, was another matter.

In 1959, Dale was promoted to Branch Auditor, heading the Oklahoma City office of the Federal Reserve. Marjory continued to blossom in a new suburban home. With daughter in college, and son in public school, she added weddings to her skill set: Designing and making bridal gowns and bridesmaid’s dresses, baking and decorating the wedding cake, handling the church parts of receptions.

Active in her small neighborhood church, she was soon famous for decadent church supper deserts, and painted scenery, made costumes and supervised make up for pageants and holidays.

Wasting little time on regret, she re-invented herself as a gardener, coaxing lush flowers and adequate vegetables from the red, dry Oklahoma soil. She enrolled in creative writing courses, read good novels and wrote bad ones.

Dale died in 1997 and Marjory moved to New York to argue with her daughter. New York’s damp air and fertile soil unleashed her Gabor “Nothing succeeds like excess” soul and she thrilled to surround her very pink house with dozens and dozens of every kind of plant that would thrive in the climate zone. She relished involvement with the Westfield Garden Club.

Son John died in Oklahoma City in 2009. As Marjory grew less mobile, she enjoyed birding from her back window with Bingo, elderly Yorkshire terrier on her lap. Reading became more and more important at home, and later as she moved into care. The staff at Fredonia’s Barker library and the amazing 2A team at Chautauqua NRC made her pain more bearable. Life was still worth living.

.In 2012, Marjory reluctantly gave up her driver’s license and her purple Ford, making the world a safer place. By 2019, life no longer satisfied. She faded away, making that place a little less colorful

She is survived by her daughter, LeeAnne Cogdill, who will always be grateful to both nursing staff and librarians. Anyone wishing to contribute, please sponsor a book at The Barker Library in Fredonia, NY. As per Marjory's wishes, all funeral services will be private. Arrangements have been provided by the MORSE Funeral Home of Brocton, NY.

Robert Mitchell

Robert Mitchell, 83 years old of Portland, New York passed away on Monday afternoon, April 8.2019 at his home after a long illness. He was born in Newark, New York on August 14, 1935 and was the son of the late Elton and Edna Stebbins Mitchell. After completion of High School, he enlisted with the United States Navy in August of 1954 and served his Country actively in the Korea and the Vietnam conflicts and continued after his active duty in the Naval Reserves until February of 1974. He received many awards for his service among which were the Navy Unit Commendation Medal , the Good Conduct Award five times, National Defense Service Award with the Bronze Star, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign with the Bronze Star, the Navy Expeditionary Award, three awards for expert riflemen-ship and three awards for expert pistolmenship. Lastly, Robert was aboard the United States Forestall during the the Historic Fire on July 29, 1967 where he saved several Midshipman's lives. He was also in the Civil Air Patrol. After leaving active service he worked as a Fork Lift Operator for Red Wing Co. of Fredonia, New York until his retirement. Robert was a past member of the Brocton and Portland Fire Departments, a member of the The American Legion John W Dill Post 434 of Brocton, New York, a member of several Fish and Game Clubs and a member of the amateur Trap Shooting Assn. Robert also enjoyed Hunting, fishing, shooting skeet and gardening

He is survived by one daughter; Phoebe (Jonathon) Long of Sheridan, New York, one son ; Jay Mitchell of Stockton, New York, five grandchildren ; Summer Marie Mitchell, Anthony Thomas Mitchell, Lyle Michael Mitchell, Marah Elizabeth Long and Jonathon Matthew Long. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife Mickey Eileen Mitchell who passed away February 10, 2019 and one son Jed Elton Mitchell who passed away September 30, 1986.

A graveside service will take place on Monday April 15, 2019 at 11 am at the Portland Evergreen Cemetery where Full Military Honors will be accorded to Robert by the members of the American Legion John W. Dill Post 434 of Brocton, New York and where the American Flag will be presented to his son Jay by Chaplin Fran Lus.There will be no prior visitation. In lieu of flowers, the family requests Memorials in his honor be made to the Brocton Fire Dept., Lake Ave., Brocton, New York 14716 or the Portland Fire Dept., West Main Rd. Rt 20. Portland, New York 14769.

Louise Courtney

Louise Courtney, 92, of Brocton, NY, passed away peacefully at Brooks Memorial Hospital on April 5, 2019, after a brief illness. Originally from Brewer, ME, she was born on February 13, 1927 to the late Joseph and Sarah (Fillis) Deroche. She had a long career in sales, retiring in 1985 from Sears, Roebuck & Co. as a Division Manager. She enjoyed her family, her daily ride, and the camaraderie of the Sears Retirement Club in Bangor, ME. She was pre-deceased by her husband, Vincent Courtney, and her siblings Lucille, Linwood, and Leo (Eleanor Johnson) Deroche, as well as nephews and nieces Jacqueline Courtney of Lynn, MA, and Joseph Courtney and Sheryl Ann Courtney both of Somerville, MA. Surviving are her son, Vincent Courtney and his spouse Gary Holloway, of Brocton, NY, and her former daughter-in-law Marilyn Gordon of Augusta, ME; her grandchildren Kathryn (Tim) Duffy of the Bronx, NY, Adam Courtney of North Augusta SC, and Amy Courtney and her companion Joshua Benson of Whiteboro, NY; her grandchild Kiernan Duffy and his fiancé Yasly Flores of the Bronx, NY. Also surviving are nephews and nieces Thomas (Mary Manning) Courtney of Quincy, MA, Brian Courtney of Somerville, MA, Charles Farwell of South Portland, ME, Sharleen (Paul) Whealan of Boston, MA, Richard Courtney and Kenneth Courtney. Arrangements are by the Morse Funeral Home, Brocton, N.Y. There will be no viewing or services at her request. A celebration of her life will be held later this year in one of her favorite spots in the world, Schoodic Point, Acadia National Park, ME. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be given to FriendsofAcadia.

Gary Bonnas

Gary Bonnas, 66 years old of Portland, New York passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday afternoon March 27, 2019 at Westfield Memorial Hospital in Westfield, New York. He was born on December 4, 1952 in Buffalo, New York and was the son of the late Edward and Marie Landes Bonnas. and has lived in this area most of his life. He had been employed as a Forklift Operator for Red Wing / Carriage House Co.'s in Fredonia, New York until 1991 when he retired due to health reasons. Gary was an Exempt Fireman for the Brocton, Fire Dept. and was an active member of the Brocton Fire Dept. previously for several years. Gary had been an avid golfer, loved to bowl and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was also a fan of WWE Wrestling and watching the Buffalo Bills.

He is survived by his wife of 27 years Joan Nickerson Bonnas, one son Ryan Bonnas (Courtney Remington), his step-daughter Shanna Nickerson, one grandchild Aryana Nickerson and several nieces and nephews. He was preceeded in death by an infant daughter Julie Bonnas, one sister Mildred Schubert, and his brother Skip Bonnas.

Friends and family are invited to visiting hours for Gary from 1 to 3 on Sunday afternoon March 31, 2019 At the Morse Funeral Home, 51 Highland ave. Brocton, New York.Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers. Memorials in Gary's memory and honor may be made to Roswell Park Alliance Foundation, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 631, Buffalo, New York 14240.

Donna Mae McClean

Donna Mae McClean ,76 years old of Brocton, New York passed away peacefully at her home with her family at her side on Friday evening February 22, 2019. She was born in Traverse City, Michigan on June 1, 1942 and was the daughter of the late Ralph and Mildred Honhke Hilts. She made her home in Brocton for the past 24 years and formerly lived in Fredonia, New York. Donna made her life as a homemaker and most of all loved and especially enjoyed taking care of her family. She also loved sewing, ceramics, making wood figurines and painting them and spending time in her yard grooming it and making it look nice.

She is survived by three sons Brian (Helen) McClean of Fredonia, N.Y , Darryl (Pam) McClean of Battle Creek Michigan and Allen (Nidia) McClean of Lancaster, South Carolina, six grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Besides her parents she was predeceased by her husband Gerald McClean who passed away November 30, 2010 and one brother Ronald Hilts.

Funeral Services will take place on Wednesday, February 27, 2019 at 10 am from the Morse Funeral Home in Brocton, N.Y. The Rev. Jim Witherington of Hospice will officiate. Interment will be in Webster St. Cemetery in Pomfret. Friends are invited to call at the Morse Funeral Home, 51 Highland Ave. Brocton, N.Y. on Tuesday February 26 from 2-4 and 6-8. The family wishes donations in Dona's memory be made to Hospice of Chautauqua County, 20 West Fairmount Ave. Lakewood, New York 14750.

Esther Alta Delcamp Noel

Esther Alta Delcamp Noel was promoted home to Glory with her Lord and Savior on February 22, 2019. She was born on November 17, 1934 to the late Bert and Mildred Delcamp as a middle child in a family of thirteen. She was a graduate of Brocton Central School in June of 1952. On September 3, 1954, she was united in marriage by the Rev. Fred Marshall to Dean Noel, formerly of Fredonia. NY. They resided in Brocton for the majority of their marriage until relocating to Florida in 1986. Upon retirement, she enjoyed the benefits of their lifetime family home near the shores of Lake Erie in Brocton and spending the winter months in Florida near her two children.

Mrs. Noel was employed throughout much of her younger years working with her hands at various companies that offered flexibility for her family. After her children matured, she worked in the germination office of Fredonia Seed Company. When she and her family relocated to Florida, she was employed in the office of the Osceola News Gazette until her retirement in 1996.

She was an active member of the First Portland Baptist Church in Brocton, NY for many years. She taught Sunday School there as a Kindergarten Teacher, sang in the church choir, and was also an active member of the King’s Daughters Society of the church which supported various ministries around the world with needed materials, supplies and clothing for the needy. The organization also supported the local church in its local ministry. In her later years, she attended West Portland Baptist Church while in NY during the summer months and First Baptist Church of St. Cloud while spending the winters in Florida. She also volunteered at St. Cloud Christian School in Florida when her son served as Administrator of the school. She often assisted in campaign drives for the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association.

Esther was a humble person with a soft heart and believed in helping others. She had an immense genuine love for nature and being outdoors, working with her vegetable garden and fruit trees, nurturing the harvest and then canning for not only her and husband, but for their two children and grandchildren as a labor of love. As a young mother, she was instrumental in the harvest and success of their small grape farm in Brocton. She enjoyed the beauty of nature as much as possible, and took many vacations sightseeing throughout the United States, Mexico, and Canada with her family, many by RV. Upon retirement, you would find her enjoying a cup of coffee in her backyard, meditating, praying, or listening to the birds and enjoying the serenity and beauty of nature that she so enjoyed either by herself or with family and friends. Being a motivated individual, Mrs. Noel also enjoyed sewing, painting, crafts, decorating, listening to music, remodeling, sunbathing and walking the beach collecting shells, fishing, gardening, camping and serene sunsets. But she truly enjoyed the time spent with her children and grandchildren the most, including her son and daughter- in- law who she treated as her own….all of which will miss her deeply.

Much love and appreciation to Maria Ramirez, her loving and generous caretaker for the past two and a half years. Mom connected with her and loved her dearly.

Mrs. Noel is survived by her husband of 64 ½ years, Dean Noel, daughter, LuAnn Lesniak and husband Ronald; son Randy D. Noel and wife Gail; four grandchildren, Mark Lesniak, Julie Lesniak (Ada), Bryan Noel and Michele (Shelley) Noel; one great grandson Christopher Dean Lesniak; sisters Winifred Colt, Belvia Burton, Dianna Giambra, and Rachel Marczynski, sister-in-law Susan Delcamp, several cousins, nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, Bert Delcamp Sr and Mildred Schrader Delcamp, sister Shirley Becker, brothers (baby) Emerson Delcamp, Bert (Bud) Delcamp Jr., Edwin Delcamp; Ralph “Vincent” Delcamp, Merle Delcamp, Dewey Delcamp and Wayne Delcamp. Funeral services will be held at the Brocton Baptist Church, 33 W Main Street in Brocton, NY 14716 on March 2, 2019 at 12:00 Noon. The family will receive friends and family two hours prior to the service at the Church. Interment will be at the Portland Evergreen Cemetery, Portland, NY. Pastor Larry Morrison of the Brocton Baptist Church will officiate. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Morse Funeral Home, 51 Highland Avenue, Brocton, NY.

Beverly J. Cobb

Beverly J. Cobb, 82, formerly of Fredonia, NY went to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday morning , February 22, 2019 from the Chautauqua Nursing and Rehab Facility in Dunkirk, NY. She was born in Dunkirk, New York on November 19, 1936 and was the daughter of the late Stuart and Florence Bolling Burdick. She lived in this area her whole life . Beverly was a 1954 graduate of Brocton Central School and made her life as a Homemaker taking loving care of her family. She married her High School sweetheart Emerson Cobb and they were married for 57 years before he passed away on November 14, 2017. Beverly loved gardening, knitting, crocheting and embroidery. She was a avid bird lover and enjoyed all of natures beauty.

She is survived by one daughter Robin (Ronald) Frommer of Laona, New York and one son Kevin (Linda) Cobb of Sheridan, New York, four grandchildren Jessie Cobb, Esther Cobb, Emily Cobb and Christopher Frommer.

As per the families wishes the Funeral Services and Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers. The family wishes Memorials in Beverly's memory be made to Gage Chapel Kitchen, 465 King Rd. Forestville, New York 14062.